Born of God

"We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them."
1 John 5:18

This is an interesting scripture written by a man who had written about 'birth' before. This is the same John who wrote about the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in the gospel of John. Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be "born again." Here, John picks up the conversation again by talking about life after being born again. When we are born again, we become "Born of God." The experience of being born again is amazing. It is through this experience that we literally pass from death to life, and eternal life is ours. Yet, there is much more to be gained after this experience. We cannot stop there, we must grow up as those who are born of God.
    This scripture makes one very bold statement, "Anyone born of God does not continue to sin." Is it really possible? We have been taught  that we are still sinners. The difference between us and those who have not received Jesus is only that we have been saved by God's grace. While it is certainly true that we have been saved by God's grace, it is time that we believe that we can stop sinning. We can live a victorious life because we have been covered by the blood of Jesus. The process of the Christian life must include learning to live holy lives that are free from sin. If we do not move on, we remain spiritual infants who cannot affect the world around us.
    This scripture also tells us, "The evil one cannot harm them." Those who are born of God have victory over the enemy. He cannot harm us. Those who don't recognize the position we have as sons and daughters of God, often miss this vital truth. They give too much credit to the enemy. The work of the cross of Christ destroyed the heavenly power of the enemy. While he is still loose on the earth, he is limited because he has already been defeated. Jesus faced a world that was overrun by the power of the enemy. Many were demon possessed and trapped by the enemy. But Jesus changed all that. Now we are born of God. He was the first, we followed, taking advantage of the suffering and death of Christ. His resurrection was the final nail in the coffin of the enemy.
    Think about this today: Not only are you free from the power of the enemy, but you have within you the ability to live a life free from sin. This is not an interpretation of the scripture, it is simply reading what it says. You can live in victory over both sin and the enemy. We live a new life. We have moved into a new world, alive in the presence of God. These are two things that can change your life. Today, be comforted in the fact that you are free from sin, and you are victorious over a defeated foe. Now, that should make your day!